Have you ever found yourself so steamin' mad that you [justly, in your mind] allowed your angry words to spew forth from your lips instead of first walking away? To simmer down and think over how you should respond? If at all? Yeah, I have too.
The Good Book has many, many scriptures concerning this topic. Here is a scripture that formerly brought swift conviction to me, "A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control." ~ Proverbs 29:11. Point taken!
If God continues to extend grace to us, [which let's face it, we don't deserve in the first place] ought we not to extend that very same grace onward? It is how we choose to react that is the lesson here.
As we journey on this road called life we will have a plethora of opportunities to choose the right course. Step 1) Quietly explain that you need to walk away then do so. If you are in a position where you cannot, then clarify that you need to continue the conversation later. Step 2) When able, find a place where you can be completely alone, isolated from distractions. Step 3) Surrender your thoughts and whole heart over to God. Step 4) Aloud, speak and release forgiveness to whom has hurt you. Feel God's Grace rain down all over you. Peace comes like a river. Step 5) Pray for the heart of that man, woman, or child and whoever else may come to remembrance. Step 6) Then LISTEN. He will show you the way. Most importantly, know the true enemy you are fighting against. His soul purpose is to divide and conquer and nothing would give him more pleasure than to do so! And remember, walk in kindness as it has such great rewards!
"If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals [of kindness] on his head, and the Lord will reward you." ~Proverbs 25:21,22 NIV ****emphasis added
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;" ~ John 10:10
